Dive Brief:
- Market research publisher Packaged Facts released a report entitled Frozen Foods in the U.S.: Hot Meals, Sides, and Snacks, which suggests that frozen foods are seeing a revival with the expansion of natural and organic options.
- As part of the consumer trend toward fresh, refrigerated foods, natural and organic products calm consumers' concerns about preservatives and artificial ingredients commonly found in frozen foods.
- Packaged Facts believes that the collective sales of frozen foods will increase from $22 billion in 2014 to $23 billion in 2019.
Dive Insight:
Packaged Facts Research Director David Sprinkle said, "These organic and natural frozen foods appeal to the consumer who is both cost conscious and health conscious." Annie's is one such company bringing natural and organic products to the frozen food aisle. Interestingly, General Mills, who now owns the Annie's brand, recently broke up its organic and frozen food units and merged them with other units within the company.